From Mumbai Chawls to 76 Countries: Mr Anil Kannambille’s Story of Grit, Loss, and a Life Well-Lived 

There’s something quietly powerful about a man who has seen it all, cramped chawl living in Bombay, the corporate grind, and deep personal loss, and still chooses to call life “fun.” Anil is that man, and his journey is one we at Marzi are grateful to share.

Roots in Bombay

Born and raised in Mumbai, Anil grew up in a one-room-kitchen home in Mahim with his family of five, sharing a common toilet, a classic Bombay chawl life. His father, a textile technician, had moved the family from Bangalore to be closer to the mills.

“It was a lot of fun,” Anil recalls. “I still reminisce about it.” His childhood was filled with gully cricket at Shivaji Park, beach walks, and a sense of community that’s rare today. The family briefly moved to Ahmedabad when his father joined Reliance, but eventually returned to Bombay.

Choosing Responsibility Early

After completing his BCom from ML Dhanukar College, Anil faced a difficult choice - continue studying or support his family. With his father nearing retirement and two sisters’ weddings ahead, he chose work.

He joined Lintas India Limited, a leading advertising agency at the time. “Nobody really knew what advertising agencies did,” he laughs. “I’d say we made ads for Hindustan Lever.”

Starting in commercial accounting, Anil’s curiosity soon led him to the outdoor advertising division. Over 12 years, he built strong networks and learned the business inside out.

Taking the Leap

Two years into marriage, Anil made a bold decision, he quit his stable job and started his own outdoor advertising company.

His first major project was a showcase for HMT watches at Churchgate Station, one of the busiest railway hubs in the country. Despite challenges, including vandalism and theft, the visibility brought immense attention to the brand.

From there, his business grew steadily. He secured bus shelter contracts in Navi Mumbai, expanded across India, and by 2008, his company was generating around ₹23 crores in revenue.

Personal Struggles Behind Success

Behind the professional milestones were deep personal losses. Anil’s father passed away at 65, just before seeing the full success of his son. Soon after, his wife was diagnosed with leucodystrophy, a rare and fatal neurological condition. She remained bedridden for six to seven years.

Through it all, Anil continued working long hours. His mother became the backbone of the family, caring for his wife and raising his son. “I should really appreciate my mom,” he says. “She handled everything.”

A New Chapter

In 2015, Anil sold his business assets and Mumbai properties and moved to Bangalore. At 65, he now manages three skywalks, largely overseen by his team.

His son followed an entrepreneurial path too running an adventure gear business before starting a diving school in Phuket.

Today, Anil’s life is simpler: morning walks, tending to his garden, stock trading, afternoon naps, and watching IPL. He has also travelled to 76 countries, often solo, making travel and golf his biggest passions.

Finding Community

Anil is one of Marzi’s earliest members. He attends a few events each month, drawn by genuine connections rather than obligation.

“I’ve come across nice people. Some have become good friends,” he says.

After decades in the fast lane, this quieter chapter, filled with meaningful relationships and simple joys, seems exactly where he’s meant to be.